History

Founded in 1966-1967 by Valparaiso University President O.P. Kretzmann, Christ College is one of the oldest and most prestigious honors colleges in the United States. As an interdisciplinary liberal arts college, Christ College is dedicated to the cultivation of intellectual, moral, and spiritual virtues. The College’s name suggests its compatibility with Valparaiso University’s definition of itself as a university in the Christian intellectual tradition. Five deans have served the College: Founding Dean Richard P. Baepler (1966-1978), Arlin G. Meyer (1978-1990), Mark R. Schwehn ’67 (1990-2003), Mel W. Piehl ’68 (2003-2013), and Peter Kanelos (2013-2017) and Susan VanZanten (2018-Present).

The Christ College building, dedicated in 1970, is named Mueller Hall in honor of its principal benefactor, the late Reverend Ewald H. Mueller, longtime pastor of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Ridgewood, N.J.

The Christ College curriculum emphasizes liberal arts and the humanities — history, literature, art, philosophy, religion — and the social sciences. Small, discussion-centered classes offer stimulating, honors-level interdisciplinary study with master teacher-scholars. Christ College students are concurrently enrolled in one of Valpo’s other Colleges — Arts and Sciences, Business, Engineering, or Nursing and Health Professions — where they earn bachelor’s degrees. In 2016-2017 Christ College will be celebrating its 50th Anniversary.